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Public meeting scheduled for ASG’s HUD homes plan

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reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Rescue Plan appropriated $5 billion to help communities provide housing, shelter, and services for the most vulnerable and other qualifying populations.

A public notice indicates that the HOME American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) funds are in addition to the regular FY 2021 HOME formula allocation.

“This one-time funding creates a significant opportunity to meet the housing and service needs of our community’s most vulnerable populations.

“HOME-ARP funding gives jurisdictions significant new resources to address their homeless assistance needs by creating affordable housing or non-congregated shelter units and providing tenant-based rental assistance or supportive services.

“HOME-ARP funds are allocated through the HOME formula to all participating jurisdictions that qualify for an annual HOME Program allocation for FY 2021. HOME-ARP funds must be used for individuals or families from the following qualifying populations: homeless; at-risk of homelessness; fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations where providing assistance would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding criteria.

According to the statement HOME-ARP funds are available for expenditure until September 2030.

The American Samoa Government along with the Development Bank of American Samoa as the facilitator or the administrator of the program will present its allocation plan for the use of the HOME-ARP funding.

A public hearing will be held on March 28, 2023, at the Lee Auditorium from 10- 11am. The plan will then be submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the final approval before the start of the implementation plan.

The Hearing will give the public the opportunity to learn about the allocation plan and give their comments.